Page 75 of Her Chosen Protector

“I was an Eagle Scout, ma’am.” Nic’s voice was proud.

“How stable is the building out where you are?” Asher asked, just killing time.

“Nothing moved while we were spelunking. I might take this up as a hobby. Ezio says he’ll take me caving sometime.”

“Great, now you’re going to—”

“They’ve got the gate moved. I’ve put in the code and I’m opening the door.”

Asher had Eden positioned to go first.

He could see Nic through the door, straining to keep it open. Shit, it was going to be a tight fit even for Eden.

She saw it.

“Asher?” she looked back at him.

“No time,” he said, as he started pushing her through.

As he squeezed through a little bit, he could see what Raiden and Ezio were doing. It wasn’t looking good. He shoved her hard into Nic’s arms.

“Raiden?” he yelled.

“Gotta hurry, man.”

“You gotta give me more room.”

He started through, trusting that his team would make it happen. His head, left shoulder, and left leg were in, but there was no way his chest was going to make it.

“Three inches, I just need three inches,” Asher called out.

Asher was sweating bullets. He might trust his team, but what happened if the rebar snapped?

Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts.

He pushed at the door, trying to help. Did it just move?

“Now!” Raiden cried out.

The door gave another two inches at most. Eden grabbed his left hand and yanked. He pushed off on his right leg. His shirt tore.

“Thorne!” Raiden shouted. “Now!”

He shoved for all he was worth.

Asher actually felt the door snip at his boot as it slammed shut, but he made it. He made it.

Eden still had his hand gripped in both of hers as she was sitting on the rocky floor. Raiden, Nic, and Ezio were holding a snapped piece of rebar.

Talk about a team effort.

“You good?” Raiden yelled over at him.

“Good as gold.”

Raiden chuckled at his pun. Eden didn’t.

She grabbed him around the neck and gave a rebel yell.